The Rialto (poetry magazine)
The Rialto is an independent poetry magazine funded by Arts Council England, published three times a year. It was first published in April 1984 in Norwich, Norfolk. The name was a result of a friend enquiring on "what news on the Rialto?" referring to progress with the publication and is a reference to William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
Background
Michael Mackmin, John Wakeman and Jenny Roberts were the co-founders of the magazine, however Jenny Roberts left shortly after the seventh issue was produced. The initial print run was financed by an anonymous private source. The first edition included poetry by Margaret Atwood, George Barker, Gavin Ewart and Miroslav Holub, and four poems by Carol Ann Duffy now Poet Laureate.
In 1996 The Rialto made its first foray into book publishing, producing a limited run of "How it turned out" by Frank Redpath. Shortly after this John Wakeman left the magazine and moved to Cork in Ireland, where he started his poetry magazine The Shop. Michael Mackmin continues to be editor of the magazine, and has also presided over the publication of 16 more books and "Bridge Collections"; a series of pamphlets intended as a step towards a first collection, more of both are planned.[1]
Along with Michael Mackmin, The Rialto employs 3 other staff: Nathan Hamilton and Helen Mitchell, are responsible for marketing and development, and Nick Stone, who has been responsible for the magazine's artwork since 1989, and the design and brand since 1995 is the art director. Dean Parkin was also involved in the marketing until 2008, he still writes a "Rumours" section for each issue.
Cover art has included the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Patrick Sutherland, Paula Rego, Angie Lewin and Eric Ravilious, as well as many pieces by new print-makers, artists and photographers.
Pamphlets
- The Hitcher - Hannah Lowe (2011)
- The Night is Young - Peter Sansom (2009)
- Developing the Negative - Emily Wills (2008)
- The Magnolia - Richard Lambert (2008)
- Billack’s Bones - Joanna Guthrie (2007)
- Night Lightning - Julia Casterton (2007)
- Outswimming the Eruption - Allan Crosbie (2006)
- Bye for Now - Lorraine Mariner (2005)
- The Prize - John Siddique (2005)
- The Doves of Finisterre - Julia Casterton (2003, out of print)
- Starlight on Water - Helena Nelson (2003)
- 2nd - Andrew Waterhouse (2002)
- Scarberry Hill - Josephine Dickinson (2001)
- Diverting the Sea - Emily Wills (2000)
- in - Andrew Waterhouse (2000)
- How it turned out - Frank Redpath (1996)
References
- ↑ "A short History of the Rialto". Retrieved June 14, 2011.